Texas is being sued by a Big Tech lobby group over the state’s new law that will require app stores to verify users’ ages and impose restrictions on users under 18.
“The Texas App Store Accountability Act imposes a broad censorship regime on the entire universe of mobile apps,” the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) said yesterday in a lawsuit. “In a misguided attempt to protect minors, Texas has decided to require proof of age before anyone with a smartphone or tablet can download an app. Anyone under 18 must obtain parental consent for every app and in-app purchase they try to download—from ebooks to email to entertainment.”
The CCIA said in a press release that the law violates the First Amendment by imposing “a sweeping age-verification, parental consent, and compelled speech regime on both app stores and app developers.” When app stores determine that a user is under 18, “the law prohibits them from downloading virtually all apps and software programs and from making any in-app purchases unless their parent consents and is given control over the minor’s account,” the CCIA said. “Minors who are unable to link their accounts with a parent’s or guardian’s, or who do not receive permission, would be prohibited from accessing app store content.”
This is a significant development in the ongoing debate over online regulation and user privacy. It’s interesting to see how different stakeholders are responding to these new laws. The implications could be far-reaching for both consumers and tech companies.
Absolutely, it highlights the tension between protecting users and allowing free expression online. It will be interesting to see how this lawsuit influences future legislation in other states as well.
You’re right, that tension is definitely at play here. It’s interesting to consider how different states might approach the balance between user safety and free speech, potentially leading to a patchwork of laws across the country. This could create challenges for both users and tech companies.